Growing Basil

by Mariya Yasinovska, 1st grade

Basil in a bowl

Basil is a tender low-growing herb.
It is originally native to Iran, India and other tropical regions of Asia, having been grown there for more than 5,000 years.
Basil grows to between 30–130 cm tall, with opposite, light green, leaves. It has small, white flowers.
It is very sensitive to cold. It likes hot, dry conditions.
Basil is commonly used fresh in cooked recipes. It has a strong, often sweet smell.

Day 1 (2/9/11)
I put the bag with 8 seeds in the jar with water.
Day 2 (2/10/11)
I took a pot with soil. Then I dug 3 holes in the soil, and planted the seeds. I watered them.
Days 3-10 (2/11/11-2/18/11)
I watered soil every day.
Day 11 (2/19/11)
Hurray! A little sprout is out of the ground! It is tiny and light green. The small leaves are together.

Day 13 (2/21/11)
The little leaves are apart now.

Day 17 (2/25/11)
The leaves are getting darker.

Day 18 (2/26/11)
Another sprout is out of the ground!

Day 19 (2/27/11)
The first plant looks stronger.

 Day 20 (2/28/11)
The third sprout is out of the ground!
Day 21 (3/1/11)
Now I have my own basil!